Select the object on your artboard, click on the eyedropper icon from the toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut I to use the Eyedropper tool to pick colors from the imported image.
No doubt, colors add life to a design. Creating custom colors is time-consuming, especially for a beginner. So what’s the fastest way to create beautiful custom colors? You can use the Eyedropper tool to get color inspiration from other designs.
Hi, my name is Rita. I have been using Adobe Illustrator for over five years. I have used the Eyedropper tool to create beautiful backgrounds and color palettes. In this tutorial, I will show you how to use the Eyedropper tool in Adobe Illustrator with screenshot images in a few easy steps.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You can adjust the Eyedropper options to apply all the appearances of the selected object. It works if you want to sample the object’s opacity, the different fills, strokes, etc.
- You can apply text color to shapes and vice visa with the Eyedropper tool.
- You can create color swatches from the color you sampled from an object.
How to Use the Eyedropper Tool in Adobe Illustrator
Let me show you how to use the Eyedropper tool in a few easy steps.
Note: All screenshots are from Adobe Illustrator CC Windows Version. Mac and other versions may appear different.
Step 1: Place the image you want to sample in Adobe Illustrator. You can import the image, copy and paste, or drag and drop the file in Illustrator.
You don’t have to do this if the image you want to sample is already in your artboard.
Step 2: Select the object you want to change or add color. You can use the keyboard shortcut V on your keyboard to activate the Selection tool.
Look at this example. I want to change the color of this background to look more like the sky. I will select the object.
Step 3: Click the Eyedropper tool from the toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut I.
Step 4: Use the eyedropper to click on the exact spot/ color you want to sample. I will click on the darkest night sky area to get the perfect contrast for my image.
Step 5: Press V or click on the selection tool from the toolbar to deactivate the Eyedropper tool.
2 Things You Should Know about the Eyedropper Tool
The Eyedropper tool in Adobe Illustrator helps me add new colors to my swatches. Having unique colors comes in handy when designing brand materials for clients. However, here are a couple of things you should pay attention to when using the Eyedropper tool.
1. You can’t apply effects on an object with the eyedropper tool
For example, when I sample the sky color from the image below, I was only able to sample the dark blue, instead of the sky image background.
You may not be able to sample an image gradient color. If you do, the gradient may not appear the same.
Go to the gradient panel to adjust the position. Go to Windows > Gradient or press G on your keyboard to activate the Gradient tool and display options.
2. Use the Eyedropper tool when you run out of color ideas.
You can use the eyedropper tool to sample real-life colors in Adobe Illustrator. You can test colors from the exact picture. Sampling colors from real pictures will make your design more real to life.
Final Words
You don’t have to come up with every thought in your design process. Feel free to use the Eyedropper tool to sample colors and apply them to your designs.
